Calls for site of derelict community centre to be used for social housing

The forgotten site of a derelict community centre should be used for social housing, a Coventry councillor says



Radford Labour councillor and former Lord Mayor Tony Skipper has made the appeal in the wake of his announcement he will not stand for re-election next year.

He says the Labour controlled Coventry City Council should make use of the unused properties and land it owns in Telfer Road.

The bungalow previously occupied by the caretaker of Jubilee Crescent Community Centre has been empty since 2014.

And the former social services building and car park have been vacant and deteriorating even longer, he says.

“The area owned by the council is large and should be put to better use,” he said.

“At the moment this site is blight on this part of Radford.

“Jubilee Crescent could to be regenerated and the renewal of this site would make a valuable contribution.

“Given the unsatisfied demand for social housing here the building of council houses would be welcome.

“Other local authorities are engaged in house-building programmes and I see no reason why Coventry should not do so.

“Alternatively a development partnership with a sympathetic private sector builder should be easy to achieve.

“Whatever happens, the properties have been empty for too long and action is overdue.”